Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze’s sex scene in “Red Dawn” never made the 1984 film due to overdoing it on some substances. 

On Dec. 20, Grey was a guest on “The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter” podcast and recalled smoking “a lot of weed” prior to filming the scene with a drunk Swayze.

“We were in this, you know, sleeping bag, and he was nervous or whatever, and he came into the sleeping bag drunk,” Grey told host Scott Feinberg.

In “Red Dawn,” Grey, Swayze, Charlie Sheen, Lea Thompson and C. Thomas Howell star as teenagers who head to the mountains to plan a counter-attack against a Russian-led invasion.

‘DIRTY DANCING’ STAR PATRICK SWAYZE’S WIFE PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE ACTOR AHEAD OF FILM’S 35TH ANNIVERSARY

“As an actor, you’re looking at all your stuff in the script, and you’re like, okay. I’m running. I’m shooting. I’m running. I’m throwing hand grenades. I’m killing myself with a hand grenade. But this is the only acting scene I get to do where I’m not doing action,” Grey said of the sex scene. 

She called the shot “one of the more tender scenes which was, I thought, part of the reason I wanted to do the job.”

“I was smoking a lot of weed in those days, too. And so, I was super paranoid, and I was scared.”

— Jennifer Grey

Grey noted that Swayze “didn’t know his lines. And then it got cut. And they said, ‘We’ll come back and reshoot it.’ But, of course, they didn’t.”

The actress said that her costars “put firecrackers in my door … to prank me.”

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“I was smoking a lot of weed in those days, too,” Grey explained. “And so, I was super paranoid, and I was scared. I didn’t sleep the whole night. So when I went in to shoot my big love scene, my big … romantic scene with him, I was so angry because I was, you know, all self-righteous.”

Jennifer Grey starred with Patrick Swayze in 1987’s “Dirty Dancing.” (Getty Archive Photos)

Grey wanted listeners to “keep in mind, I’m super young actor … really taking everything seriously, and maybe a little annoying … because I wanna do good.” 

After starring in “Red Dawn” together, Grey and Swayze appeared in the 1987 film, “Dirty Dancing.”

Swayze passed away in 2009 at 57 from pancreatic cancer. In April, Swayze’s widow, Lisa Niemi Swayze, shared how she felt in the moments after learning her husband had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze’s sex scene in “Red Dawn” never made it into the film. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)

While speaking to People about her partnership with the non-profit organization Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Lisa went into detail about what her frame of mind was like when she heard her husband’s diagnosis.

“It was the worst night of my life,” she told the outlet. “I know [Patrick] said, ‘I’m a dead man,’ but for me even, that night, I slept in the hospital room with him on the cot. I felt like a nail was being hammered into my own coffin. Your life turns on a dime, and there’s no escaping the reality of what that diagnosis means. It’s just awful. It’s just a dreadful moment.”

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Lisa went on to explain that by the time Patrick was diagnosed, “it was impossible to turn around.” She added they were happy “he miraculously managed to survive 22 months after that.”

Patrick Swayze was survived by his widow, Lisa Niemi Swayze, after he died in 2009 at 57. (Photo by Helmut Reiss/United Archives via Getty Images)

Lisa explained “one of the things that got [her] through” the period of time following Patrick’s death in September 2009 was the constant reminder to herself that “people do this all the time.”

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“And that’s as painful as it is because I thought, ‘This is going to kill me. Grief is going to kill me,’” she told People. “But you know what? It doesn’t kill everybody. If they can do it, so can I.”

The five-year-survival rate for pancreatic cancer has risen to 13%, according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2024. However, Lisa says, “we’ve got to do better than that.”

A city in Illinois sparked controversy by limiting a Hanukkah menorah display to a few hours instead of the full eight days. 

As of Tuesday, more than 6,500 people have signed a Change.org petition demanding Lake Forest allow a menorah display at its Market Square shopping center for the duration of the holiday. 

“The City is pleased to support Chabad of Lake Forest’s Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Ceremony in Market Square on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 4 p.m. Mayor Stanford Tack will participate by lighting the middle candle of the Menorah and other local elected officials are expected to attend,” the city, which is located north of Chicago, said in a statement. 

“While the ceremony is a valued community event, the menorah will not remain in Market Square unattended after the event this year,” it added. “Based on legal guidance from the City’s attorneys, the City must either allow all requests for extended displays by private groups on public property or deny them entirely to ensure safe public access and consistency in the use of public spaces.” 

HOW HANUKKAH STARTING ON CHRISTMAS CAN BRING INTERFAITH FAMILIES CLOSER 

“Since granting all such requests could lead to challenges in managing public spaces, the City has chosen to allow only time-limited displays as part of organized special events by community groups,” it also said. 

The Change.org petition, authored by a self-described local “interfaith family,” said last year’s menorah display in Market Square was up for all eight days and “brought great joy to us and was well-received by our community.” 

“However, to our dismay, we learned that this year the city will only allow the menorah to be displayed for a few hours on the evening of December 29th. This decision undermines the inclusive spirit our city showed last year and deeply disheartens us as well as many other families who appreciated the menorah display’s representation of our community’s diversity,” it added. 

“Let us push for the reinstatement of the menorah at Market Square, not just for one night, but for all the eight nights of Hanukkah, continuing the practice of honoring and showcasing the rich cultural and religious diversity within Lake Forest,” it concluded. 

EASY RECIPE FOR DONUTS THIS HANUKKAH 

A menorah lighting event was held by Chabad of Lake Forest in December 2023. (Chabad of Lake Forest)

Rabbi Moshe Spalter of Chabad of Lake Forest told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that 2023 was the “first time that we actually had the event there, and it was the first time we had the menorah up there for the whole eight days of Chanukah.” 

“They were excited about the idea last year but this year I guess they put some more thought into it and changed their mind,” he said. 

Spalter said he would prefer a menorah to be allowed to stay up in the city for the full eight days of Hanukkah. 

Last year, the menorah at Market Square in Lake Forest, Ill., was allowed to remain for the duration of Hanukkah, according to Rabbi Moshe Spalter. (Chabad of Lake Forest)

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“We have been trying to get the city to do it, it’s not so simple and at this point that it’s so close to Hanukkah we are just hoping that over the next year we will start to get to work on it right away and hopefully by next year they will be able to allow it,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“I encourage everybody to come and show up and make this event a memorable one to the City of Lake Forest,” Spalter also said. “It’s a nice event and especially with all the noise that has been going on I think it’s great for the community to get together and come and celebrate all of us.” 

The City of Lake Forest did not immediately respond Tuesday to an inquiry from Fox News Digital. 

Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are doing something some players who are NFL Draft bound won’t do: Play in their school’s bowl game. 

Because they are playing against BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28, Sanders and Hunter both have historic disability insurance policies in the event either of them gets seriously injured during the game. 

“We have a multitude of players that are draftable, that they received a draft grade. They’ve disability (insurance) all season long. We want to make sure that if something were to happen, they would cover it,” head coach Deion Sanders said in a press conference Monday.

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“We happen to have two players that are probably going to be the first two picks of the NFL Draft. I think we all know who those two are, and they have received, I think, the highest number of coverage that has ever been covered in college football. It far exceeds anyone that has ever played this game of college football. So, we’re happy and excited,” Sanders continued.

Colorado’s athletic director Rick George confirmed Sanders’ statement that the policies are the highest ever in college football history.

George said multiple times that it was Sanders’ idea for the additional insurance claims to be taken out for Shedeur Sanders and Hunter.

DEION SANDERS SAYS HE’LL ‘MAKE SURE’ TRAVIS HUNTER PLAYS OFFENSE AND DEFENSE IN NFL

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) reacts following the win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.  (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

Both Shedeur Sanders and Hunter are projected to go in the top five of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Hunter, the prolific two-way star, beat out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to win the Heisman Trophy after one of the most incredible years in college football history.

As a wide receiver, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 total touchdowns. Hunter won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver.

DEION SANDERS ADAMANT HIS SON SHEDEUR WILL BE THE NO. 1 OVERALL PICK IN THE NFL DRAFT

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter after winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy.  (Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust via Imagn Images)

Hunter also won the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player, becoming the first player ever to win both the Bednarik and Biletnikoff.

As a cornerback, Hunter had 31 tackles, 11 pass deflections and four interceptions, anchoring Colorado’s defense.

As for Sanders, the Colorado quarterback has completed 69.3% of his passes while throwing for 3,926 yards with 35 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

The star quarterback helped lead Colorado to a 9-3 record this season, a big improvement after finishing 4-8 last season.

Sanders won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement.

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Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field.  (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

Sanders also was named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

Sanders and Miami quarterback Cam Ward are expected to be the first two quarterbacks taken off the board in April. 

As of the end of Week 16 in the NFL, the New York Giants currently hold the No. 1 pick in next April’s draft and are in prime position to draft one of Colorado’s stars. 

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President Biden’s recent move to commute the sentences of 37 of 40 federal inmates on death row has been met with praise by some and criticism by others, who say it’s unclear why the president made the decision in the first place.

The president announced on Monday that 37 federal death-row inmates would have their sentences changed to life in prison without the possibility of parole, with the White House saying in a statement that Biden believes “America must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level, except in cases of terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder.”

“When President Biden came into office, his Administration imposed a moratorium on federal executions, and his actions today will prevent the next Administration from carrying out the execution sentences that would not be handed down under current policy and practice,” the White House said.

The three death-row inmates that did not meet Biden’s requirements for having their sentences commuted are: Robert Bowers, the Tree of Life Synagogue shooter who killed 11 people in 2018; Dylann Roof, a White supremacist who killed nine Black parishioners at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who worked with his now-dead brother to carry out the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing that killed three people and injured hundreds. 

FAMILY OF MURDERED SC WOMAN RAGES AT BIDEN FOR COMMUTING KILLER’S DEATH SENTENCE: ‘SHE WAS SHOWN NO MERCY’

John R. Lott Jr., president of the Crime Prevention Research Center and former chief economist for the U.S. Sentencing Commission in Washington, told Fox News Digital that Biden’s rationale in deciding to commute the death sentences of 37 federal death-row inmates rather than all 40 remains unclear.

“There were mass murderers that he commuted the sentence for, and yet there are other ones who killed fewer that he didn’t commute the sentence for,” Lott said. “When I read his statement, it wasn’t obvious to me what his rationale was for dividing the cases the way he did.”

“If he thinks the death penalty is wrong, it’s not exactly clear where the line was drawn.”

— John Lott Jr.

Lott added that the president “could just be playing to his base” in his decision to commute 37 sentences, but noted that victims’ families have shared statements expressing how their loved ones were shown no mercy at the hands of those now receiving life sentences instead of death.

BIDEN FACES FURY FOR COMMUTING DEATH SENTENCES FOR KILLERS: ‘THIS IS TOTALLY NUTS’

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Brandon Bell)

“A lot of these victims’ families have…pointed out that a number of these murderers have shown no remorse for their crimes,” Lott added. “They’ve engaged in brutal rapes and torture. They’ve killed a number of people in very gruesome ways.”

Criminal justice reform advocates praised the move. 

BIDEN COMMUTES SENTENCES OF 37 DEATH ROW INMATES IN FINAL MONTH OF PRESIDENCY

Matthew Mangino, Of Counsel at Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly and George and author of “The Executioner’s Toll,” told Fox News Digital that he thinks Biden’s commutations strengthen the argument in favor of the death penalty.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Ben Curtis)

“In a strange sort of way, President Biden’s bold use of his clemency power to prevent the systematic execution of federal death row inmates, strengthens the argument for the death penalty,” Mangino said. “He left three men on death row to most assuredly face death.”

“While generally, Biden revealed his disdain for the death penalty, he does believe — and his actions prove it — that there needs to be a death penalty for some.”

— Matthew Mangino

United Women in Faith, the largest denominational organization for women, called on Biden to commute the sentences of all 40 federal death-row inmates, saying their organization understands how “the criminal justice system unfairly and unevenly targets people of color” in a press release ahead of Biden’s Monday decision. 

After the president commuted 37 sentences, Emily Jones, executive for Racial Justice at United Women in Faith, praised the move as “very exciting — a real Advent blessing!” in a statement to Fox News Digital.

President Joe Biden speaks with reporters after casting his early-voting ballot for the 2024 general elections, Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, at a polling station in New Castle, Del. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Lott, however, said that death sentences often inspire criminals to plead guilty to their crimes in order to avoid death, thus allowing governments to avoid costly and emotionally taxing death-penalty trials. Dylann Roof — one of the three federal inmates Biden decided to keep on death row — initially expressed interest in pleading guilty in his federal case to avoid the death penalty, Lott noted.

“Economists have looked at this extensively and found that on average, for each execution that occurs, you’ll see a reduction in the number of murders by between about eight and eighteen,” Lott said. “That’s obviously related to the fact that [the death penalty] is a deterent for these guys.”

The convicted murderers who will now escape execution include: Marcivicci Barnette, who killed a man in a carjacking and his ex-girlfriend; co-defendants Brandon Basham and Chadrick Fulks, who kidnapped and killed a woman after escaping prison; Anthony Battle, who killed a prison guard; Jason Brown, who stabbed a postal worker to death; Thomas Hager, who committed a drug-related killing; David Runyon, who participated in the murder-for-hire plot of a Naval officer; Thomas Sanders, who kidnapped and killed a 12-year-old girl; Rejon Taylor, who carjacked, kidnapped and killed a restaurant owner; and Alejandro Umana, who killed two brothers inside a restaurant.

Kamala Harris is currently serving as Vice President of the United States for the Biden-Harris administration. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The list also includes people who were convicted of murdering witnesses, a military service member, bank guards and employees during robberies and other federal prisoners; as well as people convicted in drug-related murders and one man who directed the murders of 12 people, including six members of a federal informant’s family. 

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Biden faced criticism earlier this month when he commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 prisoners placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and pardoned 40 others, including his son, Hunter.

As of Dec. 13, Biden has pardoned a total of 65 individuals and commuted sentences for 1,634 inmates during his time as president, according to the Department of Justice.

Fox News’ Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Five people were injured, and one person was found dead following a boat explosion at the Lauderdale Marina, officials said.

It happened around 6 p.m. Dec. 23. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue (FLFR) received multiple 911 calls about an explosion and a vessel on fire. 

Crews found significant fire on one boat prior to it quickly spreading to another. 

Five people were taken to hospitals, three of whom are suffering from “traumatic injuries,” FLFR said.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF BURNING WOMAN TO DEATH ON NYC SUBWAY IS PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

FLFR dive teams worked with Broward Sheriff’s Office to find a sixth victim deceased in the water.  

“It was like a boom, kind of, and I turned around and the whole dock was already on fire,” a witness told local TV station WSVN. “It was engulfed in flames.”

FIERY CHAOS AT FLORIDA INTERSECTION HAS SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEARCHING FOR DOZENS OF SUSPECTS

Fire crews can be seen extinguishing fire on the Lauderdale Marina sign on Dec. 23, 2024. (@FLFR411/X)

“I was screaming, screaming, and then they told us we have to get out right away. I was trying to focus to see where my family was,” Maria Sans told the media outlet.

A local waiter told the TV station he was taking an order when the explosion happened.

“All I saw was the boat just exploded and the top of the boat went up, and it came back down and the boat went into flames. I ran out there to try to see if anybody needed help…. I mean it was like chaos,” Tamer Dimiati said. 

The dock where the explosion occurred is a refueling station, according to WSVN. A similar explosion and fire happened at the same location weeks prior. 

One person died, five others were injured after a boat exploded at the Lauderdale Marina on Dec. 23, 2024. (EarthCam via @FLFR411/X)

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FLFR cites patient privacy concerns for not identifying anyone involved. The department said the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is the lead investigative agency looking into the cause of the explosion and subsequent fires. 

“Once the vessels have been removed from the water and can be more closely examined by investigators, we will have a better idea,” FLFR said in a statement. 

A new study revealed which cities in America are the best places to celebrate Christmas — and the top spot may (or may not) surprise you.

WalletHub released its 2024 list of the most festive and affordable cities in the United States after conducting research across all 50 states in key dimensions: traditions & fun, observance, generosity, shopping, and costs. 

Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a press release there are certain cities that are “much better for your wallet” this holiday season.

HISTORIC ITALIAN VILLAGE CREDITED FOR FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND CHRISTMAS NATIVITY SCENE DRAWS CROWDS FOR 800 YEARS

“In addition to being affordable, the best cities have a large number of people celebrating, plenty of places for Christians to worship, populations who give generously to charity, and plenty of fun activities to enjoy with family and friends,” said Lupo.

See if your city made the list!

Here’s the countdown. 

10. New York, New York

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9. Chicago, Illinois

8. Miami, Florida

Wallethub ranked cities based on their traditions & fun, observance, generosity, shopping, and costs. (iStock)

7. St. Louis, Missouri

6. San Francisco, California

3 US CITIES THAT ATTRACT HOLIDAY TRAVELERS AND SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER

5. Orlando, Florida

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

Wallethub ranked Las Vegas, Nevada, as the fourth-best city to spend Christmas. (iStock)

3. Seattle, Washington

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1. Atlanta, Georgia

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That’s right: Wallet hub found Atlanta is the best city for Christmas with lots of bakeries, holiday decoration shops and affordable restaurants.

Atlanta has the ninth-most Christmas tree farms and the most card shops per capita.

Atlanta, Georgia, has the most card shops per capita. (iStock)

“In addition, Atlanta residents get very excited about Christmas, searching Google for terms relating to the holiday more frequently than people in most other cities,” said the release.

The second-best city for celebrating, Pittsburgh, has the fifth-most churches per capita, making it easy to find a place to go for Christmas Eve or Christmas services.

Pittsburgh also was among the top cities with a high number of candy and chocolate stores per capita.

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For family fun, Pittsburgh has the fifth-most ice-skating rinks per capita.

Seattle came in third place, ranking among the top 10 cities with the most shopping centers and gift shops.

Wallethub found Seattle to have the fifth-most online donations per capita and many food banks. (iStock)

Keeping with the giving spirit, Seattle has the fifth-most online donations per capita and many food banks. 

Wallethub also found Seattle has a lot of affordable restaurants rated 4.5 stars or higher.

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Fox News Digital reached out to Wallethub for additional comment.

The first medication for obstructive sleep apnea has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On Dec. 20, the FDA announced that the agency has approved Eli Lilly’s Zepbound (tirzepatide) to treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity.

The drug is to be paired with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the FDA noted.

SOME SLEEP APNEA PATIENTS SEE IMPROVEMENT WITH NEW BREATHING TOOL

Sally Seymour, M.D., director of the Division of Pulmonology, Allergy and Critical Care in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research in Washington, D.C., applauded the approval in an announcement.

“Today’s approval marks the first drug treatment option for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea,” Seymour wrote. “This is a major step forward for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.”

OSA occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked and causes pauses in breathing during sleep, according to the FDA. The condition is more common in people who are overweight or obese.

UNTREATED SLEEP APNEA PRESENTS ‘DISRUPTIVE’ DANGERS TO PEOPLE’S LIVES, INCLUDING HEART ISSUES, SAYS EXPERT

Similar to semaglutide treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy, Zepbound activates receptors of hormones secreted from the intestine (GLP-1 and GIP) to reduce appetite and food intake.

About 30 million people suffer from sleep apnea in the U.S.

Studies show that by reducing body weight, Zepbound “also improves OSA,” the FDA noted.

In a 52-week study, participants treated with Zepbound experienced “statistically significant and clinically meaningful reduction in events of apnea or hypopnea,” and a large share of participants achieved remission or “resolution of symptoms.”

Zepbound improves obstructive sleep apnea by reducing body weight, studies show. (iStock)

Zepbound-treated patients also reported a significant decrease in body weight, the FDA mentioned.

The drug can reportedly cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach discomfort and pain, injection site reactions, fatigue, allergic reactions (typically fever and rash), burping, hair loss and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

DO WOMEN NEED MORE SLEEP THAN ME? HERE’S WHAT EXPERTS THINK

While Zepbound causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats, it’s unknown whether it causes these tumors in humans, so it should not be used by patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, per the FDA.

The agency encourages all OSA patients to consult with a doctor before taking Zepbound and to monitor for any complications.

One sleep expert called the FDA’s approval a “promising advancement for the millions of people who suffer from this condition.” (iStock)

Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel, who is a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah, called the FDA’s approval a “promising advancement for the millions of people who suffer from this condition.”

“Zepbound promotes weight loss and has been shown to reduce apnea events.”

About 30 million people suffer from sleep apnea in the U.S., Troxel told Fox News Digital.

While the most common treatment for sleep apnea — positive airway pressure (PAP) — is “highly effective” at treating the condition, up to 50% of patients are “non-adherent,” she said.

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“Zepbound promotes weight loss and has been shown to reduce apnea events,” Troxel noted.

“For obese individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea, this new treatment option may offer an important alternative or adjunctive treatment, particularly for those who struggle with sleep apnea therapies, such as positive airway pressure.”

People with a history of severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide should not use Zepbound, the FDA warned in a news release. (iStock)

Troxel added that treating sleep apnea is “critical not only for the patient’s health and well-being, but also for their bed partners, who are often the ‘hidden casualties’ of untreated sleep apnea, given that loud snoring and gasping for air are primary symptoms,” she said.

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Dr. William Lu, medical director of Dreem Health in San Francisco, told Fox News Digital that obesity and sleep apnea are “two of the most prevalent health conditions that affect Americans today.”

“We still need to emphasize shifting the diet and health habits of many, but this is a fantastic start.”

“And they go hand in hand,” he said. “For the patients who qualify and have no contraindications, tirzepatide has the opportunity to be a generational medication that can help people lose weight, reduce the severity of sleep apnea and improve overall health.”

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“We still need to emphasize shifting the diet and health habits of many, but this is a fantastic start.”

Getting tested for sleep apnea is “critical for your health,” Lu said, and could also be a requirement for getting coverage for the medication. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Eli Lilly requesting comment.

The FBI is issuing a stark warning to timeshare owners about a widespread telemarketing scam linked to a violent Mexican drug cartel. This scheme targets unsuspecting property owners, leading to significant financial losses. Here’s what you need to know and how to protect yourself.

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The Dimitruks’ devastating timeshare scam experience

In late 2022, Mr. and Mrs. Dimitruk, a retired Canadian couple, received a call about selling their Florida timeshare. The scammers, aware of their specific timeshare details, promised a Mexican buyer willing to pay above market value. The fraudsters employed an intricate process involving a fake New York escrow company, ecurrencyescrow[.]llc. The Dimitruks were asked to complete forms and wire more than $3,000 for “administrative” and “processing” fees.

For almost a year, the scammers made additional financial demands, citing various taxes and fees. The couple even sent $5,000 to pay off their remaining timeshare balance, believing it was part of the sale process. Mr. Dimitruk, a 73-year-old retired long-haul truck driver, revealed in an interview with KrebsOnSecurity that they lost more than $50,000 to this scam. Even after this substantial loss, the scammers continued to contact them, claiming their money was waiting and urging further payments.

Fake New York escrow company email (KrebsOnSecurity) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Cartel connections to fraud schemes

The FBI has linked these timeshare fraud schemes to the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel in Mexico. According to a July 2024 warning from the FBI and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, these scams are part of the cartel’s efforts to diversify their revenue streams and finance other criminal activities, including drug trafficking.

Since at least 2012, the cartel and other Mexico-based transnational criminal organizations have increasingly targeted U.S. owners of timeshare properties in Mexico, particularly older adults who are often more vulnerable to such scams. The proceeds from these fraudulent activities not only support the cartel’s operations but also contribute to the manufacturing and trafficking of dangerous substances like fentanyl into the United States.

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How these scams work

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has expanded its criminal activities beyond traditional drug trafficking into sophisticated scams, including timeshare fraud targeting unsuspecting individuals, particularly Americans. Here are some of the methods employed by the cartel in executing these scams:

Impersonation of legitimate entities: Scammers often pose as legitimate real estate agents, escrow companies or even officials from U.S. government agencies like the Treasury Department. This tactic is designed to instill a sense of trust and urgency in potential victims, making them more susceptible to fraud.

Targeting vulnerable populations: The cartel primarily targets elderly Americans who own timeshares in Mexico. These individuals are often contacted with offers to buy their timeshares at inflated values, but they are required to pay various fees upfront, such as taxes or closing costs, before any transaction can be completed. Once these payments are made, the scammers disappear, leaving victims with significant financial losses.

Use of call centers: The CJNG operates illegal call centers where employees, often unaware of the cartel’s true nature, engage in telemarketing schemes. These centers are strategically located in regions with high unemployment rates, providing a pool of workers who may be desperate for jobs. The call centers not only facilitate scams but also serve as a means for the cartel to exert control over local populations through intimidation and violence.

Complex fraud schemes: The scams can involve multiple layers of deception. For instance, victims may be contacted multiple times by different scammers posing as various professionals (e.g., lawyers or real estate agents) who claim they can assist with selling their timeshares or recovering lost funds. This re-victimization often leads to further financial exploitation.

Violence and intimidation: The cartel employs extreme measures to maintain control over its operations and silence potential whistleblowers. Reports indicate that workers attempting to quit these call centers have faced dire consequences, including murder, which serves as a chilling message to others considering leaving the cartel’s employment. This brutal enforcement mechanism not only protects their operations but also instills fear within communities.

Digital infrastructure: The CJNG utilizes a network of fraudulent websites and domains that appear legitimate at first glance. These websites often mimic real escrow and real estate firms, making it difficult for victims to discern the authenticity of their interactions. Many of these domains have been linked back to a central hub that manages multiple scam operations simultaneously.

By understanding these operational tactics, you can better appreciate the complexities and dangers associated with scams perpetrated by organized crime groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This knowledge is crucial for potentially preventing future victimization.

Government warning (U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

THE AI-POWERED GRANDMA TAKING ON SCAMMERS

Protecting yourself from timeshare scams

To avoid falling victim to similar scams, it is crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your financial interests:

1) Verify the buyer’s identity and offer legitimacy: Always confirm the identity of any potential buyer and the authenticity of their offer. Contact the timeshare company directly to validate any claims made by the buyer.

2) Research any company that contacts you: Conduct thorough research on any business reaching out to you. Look for reviews, complaints and verify their credentials through reliable sources.

3) Be wary of upfront fees: Legitimate transactions typically do not require upfront fees for administrative or processing purposes. If a company requests such payments, exercise caution.

4) Use secure communication channels: Avoid sharing personal or financial information over unsecured methods such as phone calls or emails. Opt for secure communication channels whenever possible.

5) Do not click on links: Avoid clicking on any links or downloading attachments from unsolicited emails. Scammers often use these tactics to steal your personal information. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

6) Consult with professionals before proceeding with transactions: Seek advice from a real estate attorney or a trusted financial advisor before engaging in any transactions. Their expertise can help you navigate potential pitfalls.

7) Report suspicious activity to authorities: If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a timeshare scam, don’t hesitate to promptly report it to local authorities, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting can help protect others from falling victim to similar schemes.

8) Invest in personal data removal services: While the advice provided is valuable, the most crucial step in protecting yourself from such scams is to minimize your online presence. By reducing the amount of personal information available on the web, you make it significantly harder for scammers to target you. No service promises to remove all your data from the internet. However, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Here’s the deal. These timeshare scammers are clever, they’re persistent, and they’re backed by some seriously bad dudes. But don’t let that scare you into inaction. Remember, knowledge is power. By staying informed and skeptical, you’re already one step ahead of these fraudsters. Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or report suspicious activity. Let’s make life a whole lot harder for these scammers and keep your hard-earned money where it belongs: in your pocket.

What additional steps do you think authorities should take to combat telemarketing scams targeting vulnerable populations? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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A wrong-way driver who killed an off-duty Las Vegas police officer earlier this month was in the U.S. illegally, federal officials told local media outlets.

On Dec. 12, Fernando Jimenez-Jimenez, 31, drove a Ford F150 the wrong way on the northbound side of Interstate 15, colliding with the Toyota Corolla of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Officer Colton Pulsipher, 29, in the process, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Both men died.

Jimenez-Jimenez, a Mexican citizen, entered the U.S. twice in 2019 “and was returned to Mexico on an order of expedited removal,” a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson told local FOX5.

In January 2020, Jimenez-Jimenez applied for admission to the U.S. with Customs and Border Protection in Brownsville, Texas, but he was ordered to be deported in December 2021 by an immigration judge, ICE said. 

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF BURNING WOMAN TO DEATH ON NYC SUBWAY IS PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

Jimenez-Jimenez had alcohol and marijuana containers in his truck when the crash happened, Nevada State Police told FOX5. Toxicology results are pending. 

Pulsipher had been with LVMPD since 2017 and was assigned to the tourist safety division traffic bureau “where he worked tirelessly to protect and serve our community,” LVMPD said on Facebook. He was heading home after his shift when the crash happened.

ICE NABS ILLEGAL MIGRANT ACCUSED OF HEINOUS CRIME AND RELEASED BY MASSACHUSETTS SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Officer Colton Pulsipher’s casket is seen will fellow officers as pallbearers on Dec. 18, 2024.  (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department/Facebook)

He leaves behind a wife and three young children, LVMPD said on Facebook. 

A subsequent department post included photographs from his memorial service in Moapa, where he lived, on Dec. 18.

Officers pay their respects to fallen Officer Colton Pulsipher who was killed in a wrong-way crash on Dec. 12, 2024. (Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department/Facebook)

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“Officer Pulsipher served with courage, integrity, and dedication, always putting the safety of others before his own,” the LVMPD post said. “Rest easy, Officer Pulsipher. We’ve got it from here.”